Scotch

Whisky Review: The Glenlivet 12-Year-Old

We review The Glenlivet 12-Year-Old. It's the entry-level age-stated single malt from this historic Speyside producer.

OVERALL RATING

4
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The Glenlivet 12 Year Old (image via Whisky Kirk)

Tasting Notes

About:

Aged 12 years, single malt Scotch, 40% ABV (80 proof), European oak and American oak casks, US price range $30-$50.
Appearance:
Golden with irregularly runny beading.
Nose:
Palate:
Finish:
Short with a diffuse malty note, and salted cashew.
Comments:

As I’ve said in my other Glenlivet reviews lately, you can turn a sow’s ear in to a silk purse by using The Glenlivet 12 in cocktails, especially those with two thirds inexpensive Speyside whisky, and one third Islay peated whisky (Ardbeg Ten works wonderfully). Drinking entry-level Scotch like this is also fine with ice. There are far worse fates on earth.rnrnThose with DIY tendencies might consider pouring a full bottle of Glenlivet 12 into a decanter, along with one tenth’s worth of a higher end, cask strength Speyside, such as Aberlour A’Bunadh. This can stretch out the more expensive A’Bunadh, even while shoring up one’s wallet against looming economic clouds on the horizon. These days, such tricks are not cheap; they are smart.rnrn”Decanting up” is also great for company when guests visiting don’t really know the difference between a fairly good Scotch pleaser and the real deal. And, of course, such drinkers often prefer their pours on the rocks.rnrnAs you probably already know, ice covers up the highs and lows of most good Scotch. I call it “the great equalizer.” A few tinkling cubes are more than capable of transforming even the best single malt into mid-level mediocrity.


Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Whisky Kirk

Kirk Sig's fascination with Scottish whisky ignited in 1987 during a visit to Edinburgh. In the ensuing three and a half decades, he has cultivated an extensive understanding of distilleries, the whisky industry, and the global whisky landscape.

Kirk prides himself on providing candid and unvarnished reviews, eschewing the prevalent flattery and fluff that often permeate whisky commentary. This direct approach has occasionally ruffled feathers in influential circles, which he views as a testament to his commitment to prioritize the interests of the consumer.

Embracing the spirit of investigative journalism, Kirk's reviews delve deeper, leaving no stone—or cask—unturned. He believes in transparency and ensures that readers are privy to any noteworthy findings, fostering an informed and empowered whisky community.

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